Reas Peak - Avy incident #2 2018 - Gallatin Avy Center Report
This incident occured outside the forecast area of the Gallatin (National Forest - Montana) Avlanche Center forecast area. Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center lent their expertise in a follow up accident investigation to the benefit of all from the findings.
Please follow link for further information and details. Please subscribe to the GNFAC for daily avy conditions to assist in decision making, that will SUPPLEMENT your personal avy assessments to include your snowpits and boots on the ground observations. Please also consider supporting GNFAC in any way you can.
I copy and paste here without permissions:
Dave Jankowsky
Victor, Idaho
Ilsand Park, Idaho
aka "Stovebolt"
*******************************************************
https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/18/01/24
Reas Peak Avalanche Fatality _2
Accident Report
Reas Peak Avalanche Report_180120_OFFICIAL.pdf
Activity
Snowmobiling
Date
1/20/2018
1 snow biker caught, fully buried and killed
Synopsis
On the afternoon of Saturday, January 20, four snow bikers (motorized) were riding southeast of Reas Peak (9,298’) in the Centennial Range in Idaho. The group was riding along a trail near a creek bed below 500-700’ high slopes that were greater than 35 degrees steepness. Two bikers rode up 15’ from the bottom of the slope when it released, catching and burying one. The group had rescue gear and located the victim quickly. The victim’s head was 6’ from the surface and CPR was initiated but unsuccessful. The avalanche was estimated to be 600’ wide, up to 2.5’ deep, and 2-300’ slope distance. It is classified SS-AMu-R2-D2-O.
Google Earth location
Location of the avalanche that caught and killed a snow biker.
Reas Peak Avalanche Crown
The avalanche was estimated to be up to 2.5 feet deep, 600' wide and 2-300' s
Reas Peak Avalanche Burial
Location of the victim. The avalanche came from the slopes to the left.
Reas Peak Avalanche Crownline
The crown and flanks of the avalanche are visible.
Reas Peak Avalanche Terrain Trap
This gully is where the rider was buried 6' deep.